PovertyCure is an initiative of the Acton Institute that works to bring about change in the way we think about aid and poverty alleviation. PovertyCure has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from developing nations, former NGO leaders, nonprofit leaders, and more in the hopes of finding out what leads to economic growth and prosperity. This program works with students, nonprofits, and the PovertyCure Partner Network to share this message. We know that enterprise, not aid, is the longterm solution to poverty. And who would benefit more from this knowledge than churches and missionaries?
Missionaries are the boots on the ground in poverty-stricken nations. While they work tirelessly to bring their faith to new nations, they often also bring material goods and their own labor. It aims to transform the paradigm of thinking among short- and long-term mission workers, empowering missionaries and volunteers to leverage their efforts for the greatest long-term impact.
Unfortunately, many churches and poverty-alleviation charities suffer from well-meaning but misguided charity and aid efforts that undermine entrepreneurial efforts and individual dignity. Bob Lupton discusses this in his excellent book “Toxic Charity” he writes, “When we do for those in need what they have the capacity to do for themselves, we disempower them.”
With a proper framework and by asking the right questions, these individuals could be contributing real, lasting change. This program will work to educate missionaries and volunteers by providing resources such as the PovertyCure video series in combination with a tailored missions field guide. The ultimate goal is to influence one million current and future missionaries over the next two years by building individual relationships with leaders of charitable organizations and churches.
Now through PovertyCure resources, anyone engaged in mission work can use this information to bring sound economics with their good news message.
Kris Alan Mauren
Executive Director